Traction-engine.



0. P. GONGER & W. H. CORBETT.

TRACTION ENGINE.

APPLICATION FILED F11 2v3.,q .910.

985,566. Patented Feb. 28, 1911.

4 QHBETS-SHEET' 1.

O. PICONGER & W. H. OORBETT.

TRACTION ENGINE.

APPLIGATION FILED $213.23, 1910.

985,566. Patented Feb. 28, 1911.

4 SHEETSSHEET 2.

lmwmom flee fa ,1, E y

e efiwomey I 0.1 001111211 & W. H. OORBETT.

TRACTION ENGINE.

APPLICATION PILED,I'EB.23, 1910.

985,566v PatentedFehZS, 1911.

4 SHEETSSHEET 3.

Imwfor s 2 M Whom my D. P. CO NGER & W. H. OORBETT. TRACTION ENGINE.

APPLICATION FILED 31123, 1910.

985,566. Patented Feb. 28, 1911 4 SHEETSSHEET 4.

UNITED STATES ATENT OFFIGE.

OLIVER P. CONGER AND. WILLIAM H. COItBETT, F PORTLAN D, OREGON.

TRACTION-ENGINE.

"to traction engines generally, one of the leading features of the invention relates to a mechanism for guiding engines of this type' with relation to the walls of a preceding furrow or other guiding means, whereby the engine can be made to follow, automatically,

a line of travel parallel to a guiding means ordinarily a furrow.

The invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings as follows:

Figure 1 shows a side elevation of the engine; Fig. 2 a front view of the engine;

Fig. 3, an end view of the clamping ring for the pilot' supporting rods; Fig. 4 a plan view of the:engine; Fig. 5 a sect-ion of the steering mechanism of the engine on the line 5-'5 in Figs. 2 and 4:. Fig. 6 a section on the line 66 in F ig. 5.

1 marks the frame of the machine. This can be made in any desired manner, but

preferably with the sides formed of I beams.

as shown. The driving wheels 2' are carried by the axle 3. They are driven by the gears 4- mounted on the shaft 5, the shaft being journaled in the bearing 6, on the frame 1. The shaft 5' is driven from the engine 7 which is preferably mounted between the driving or traction wheels. The cooling system -is.connected by the pipe 8 to the radiator 9 atthe front of the engine. These parts form no part of our present invention.

A frame ring .10 is secured to the sides of the frame 1,-neaijthe front of the frame. A ball guide 11 is arranged on the under face 7 of the ring. Aball guide 12 is opposed to the ball guide 11 and is carried by the wheel ring 13. Balls'lt arearranged in the race way formed by the ways 11 and 12, thus forming a ball bearing for the steering mechanism. Brackets 15 extend from the ring 1-3; The steering wheel 13 is mounted Specification of Letters Patent.

Application filed February 23, 1910.

Patented Feb. 28, 1911. Serial No. 545,334.

on the axle 17 the axle being carried by the brackets 15. .'As is clearly shown in the drawings, the wheel 16 extends up into the rings 13 and 10, thus permitting of a large wheel and yet a low center of gravity.

A gear 18 is formed on the ring 13. A gear 19 meshes the gear 18. The gear 19 is fixed on the shaft 19 carried in the hearings 20 20 extending from the frame. A drum 21 is journaled on the shaft 19 A clutch member 22 is slidingly mounted on the shaft 19"-,a but looked against rotating thereon by the spline 23. The clutch member and drum may be locked together by detents 24: and 25 on these members respectively. The clutch member also has the detents 26 for locking with the detents 27 on the sprocket wheel 28, the sprocket wheel being journaled on the shaft 19 The sprocket chain 29 conveys movement to'the sprocket wheel 28 from the sprocket wheel 30. The sprocket wheel 30 is fixed on the shaft 31. The shaft 31 is carried by the post 32 extending upwardly from the frame; and is provided at its rear end with the operating wheel 33. Then the engine is being manually steered, the clutch member 22 is thrown into engagement with the sprocket wheel 28, the drum 21 is then loose on the shaft, and the shaft 19 can then be rotated'by the operationof the hand wheel 33. The movement of the shaft 19' is communicated through the gears 19 and 18 to the ring 13 on which the steer ing wheel 16 is mounted.

A shift lever 34 is'mounted on the pin 35 extending from the frame. This lever'actuates the clutch member 22. A rod 36 extends from the shift lever 34 and terminates with a handle 37, at the rear of the machine. Itis'provided with the notches 38 which can be dropped over the plate 39 to lock the rod 36, and consequently the shift lever and clutch lever in either position de' sired.

A pilot 40 which is shown as in the form of a wheel, is journaled 'on the stud 4:1. The stud 11 is carried by the bracket 12. The bracket 42 is-adjustabIy mounted on the shaft 413, the bracket 42 terminating in the split rings 14 with clamping bolts 45 for this purpose. We prefer to tilt the pilot wheel as shown, so that it will engage the bottom of the wall of the furrow, and still clear the wall except at the periphery of the wheel. In Fig. 2 we represent the wall of thefurrow as a.

The shaft 43 is mounted on the swmgin'g -su mort 46. This swin in su) ort is carried'by a shaft 47. It has an intermediate joint 48, thus forming an upper or approximately horizontalarm'46 and a lower or approximately vertical arm 46". The lower arm 46 swinging on the shaft 48 permits of thelateral movement of the pilot, while the swinging ofthe upper arm 46 on the shaft 47 permits .of its vertical movement. The shaft 47 is mounted in the bracket 49 and the bracket 49 is mounted on the rods 50.

=' The rods 50 extend through the frame of the machine, and may be adjusted and locked laterally by the ring 51 which is provided with the clamping bolts 52. In this way the pilot may be offset with rela tion to the engine in any distance desired.

A cable 53 extends from the front end of v the shaft 43 and the'cable 54 from the rear end.

journaled on the bearing 56 on the frame, and an idler 57 alsojournaled on the frame to the drum 21.

The cable 53 is led over an idler 58 through the influence of the'weigh't,

operates upon the drum to wind up the cables'53 and 54. In this way the weight:

. exerts pressure on the pilotso as to mamtain it in contact with the wall of the furrow.

When the machine is set for'automatic operation, the clutch member 22 is thrown into engagement with the drum. \Vhen there is any deflection in the line of the furrow, or when there is a tendency for the machine to depart from a position in the line of the furrow which would increase the distance between the furrow and the line of the machine, the pilot following the furrow, swings the pilot support outwardly, carrying with it the cables 55 and 54, and thus rotating the drum so as toswing the steering wheel toward the furrow. The steering wheel will then be held in such relation to the frame as to maintain the engine in a position parallel or' at the desired distance or offset from the furrow. On the other hand, should the furrow deflect toward the engine, or theuengme, for any cause, be deflected toward the furrow, the weight operating upon the\cable and the drum,

being relieved by the decrease in distance between the-engine and the pilot, immediately rotates the drum in the opposite direction so as to swing the steering'wheel away from the furrow, and thus maintains it in a position to keep the engine inparallel or at a predetermined distance from the furrow, the deflection .or swing of the steering wheel being proportioned to the deflection in the furrow or the distance the'engine is over the neutral or predetermined line of travel. 4

It will be observed that with this construction, the traction of the pilot in no way influences the steering mechanism. In devices heretofore made, of this type, this has been a serious.clrawback in'the use of pilot wheels inasmuch as this traction becomes more effective as the offset increases. \Vith the present invention, the p'ilotwheel may be offset indefinitely Without in any waying mechanism. It will also be noted that by mounting the pilot wheel with the swinging support it can be readily made to follow any unevenness in the furrow relatively to the plane of the ground occupied by the engine. In other words, there is a free vereffecting its efliciency in actuating the steertical movement of the pilot, and also a free lateral movement, and the axes of the joints being lengthwise of the frame, there is no tendency for-the traction to influence the action of the pilot. It will also be noted that with this construction where the pilot is mounted on the frame as distinguished from the steering member, the pilot may be placed anywhere with relation to the length of the frame without in any way effecting its efliciency. lVe prefer to place the pilot wheel abreast of the frame, and opposite the steering member. In this way the position of the steering member may be maintained, at av predetermined distance from the guiding means or furrow, Whereas in devices in which considerable distance intervenes between the pilot and the engine, there is, of course, more or less deviation'between the line of travel of the engine and the guiding means. Furthermore, the coupling up of the guiding means abreast-of the engine'permits of the engine being carried up closer to the ends of fields or in relation to obstructions and in this way, adds very materially to its efficiency. relative proportions of the drum and actuly varying the ating gears, any leverage or any turning Where it is not desired to use the auto matic steering, itis desirable to lift the pilot, and when thi isdone, it is desirable to lock the weight so that the pilot can be dropped into position without lifting the weight. The drum is provided with the notched end 65. A pawl 66 is carried bythe bracket 67 on the frame, adapted to be moved into and out of engagement with the notched end of the drum to lock the drum. against rotation, thus maintaining the weight. A bolt 68 extends from the pawl 66 to a bell crank lever 69. The bell crank leveris carried on the pin 70, extending from the frame. A rod '71 extends from the bell crank 69 to the rear of the machine, terminating in a handle 71 by means of which the pawl 66 maybe turned into or out of engagement. A shaft 72 is journaled in the post 73 extending upwardly from the frame. A chain 74 extends from the outer end-of- I the arm 46" to the shaft 72. A hand wheel 75 is also fixed to the shaft. A pawl 77 is pivoted on the post 73 to drop onto the ratchetwheel 76 so as to lock the shaft 72 and consequently the swinging support in its upper position.

By mounting the pilot on the frame a very sensitive control of the steering mechanism may-be accomplished, and while we have shown one construction of accomplishing the movement of the steering mechanism with a movement of the pilot, we do not wish to be understood in the broader phases of our invention, to be-limited to this particular construction or to one in which the energy for affecting the steering mechanism is dependent directly upon the pressure upon the pilot.

By interposing a pivoted oscillatin mem her in the connection between the pi 0t and the steering member the movement of the steering member with a given movement of the pilot, may, in a small space, be made to suit any condition. For instance, if the en gine be very heavy, and intended for use with comparatively straight. furrows or guiding means, the interposed oscillating member may be proportioned to give but little movement to the steering member with a considerable movement of the pilot, thus increasing the power of the pilot at the expense of a rapid response in thesteering mechanism. On the other hand, if the character of the soil will stand heavy pressure on the wall of the furrow, and the ground is such as to require rather sharp turns, the pivoted oscillating member or members can be so proportioned as to give considerable movement to'the steering member with but little movement of the pilot.

What we claim as new is:

1. In a traction engine, the combination of a frame; a steering member mounted on the frame and movable with relation to the frame to steer the engine; a pilot offset from said member; devices communicating a moyementpf the pilot to the steering memher; and a mounting for the ilot movable laterally under the influence o lateral pressure on the pilot, said'mounting sustaining the traction of the pilot by driving pressure on the pilot in a direction constant to a longitudinal line of the mounting and the engme. v

2. In a traction engine, the combination of a frame; a steering member mounted on the frame and movable with relation to the frame to steer the engine; a pilotmounted on the frame and ofiset from said member; devices-communicating a movement of the pilot to the steering member; and a mounting for the pilot, movable laterally. under the influence of lateral pressure on the pilot,

said mounting sustaining the traction of the pilot by driving pressure on the pilot in a direction constant to a longitudinal line of the mounting and the engine.

3. In a traction engine, the combination of I a frame; a steering member mounted on the frame and movable with relation to the frame to steer the engine; a pilot offset from said member; a swinging support carried by.the frame for the lengthwise of the frame; and devices eon1- municating a movement of the pilot to the steering member.

4. In a traction engine, the combination of I a frame; a steering member mounted on the frame and movable with relation to the frame to steer the engine; a pilot offset from said member; a swinging support for said pilot, said support having an intermediate joint, the axes of the support and the intermediate joint being lengthwise of the frame whereby the pilot may move laterally relatively to the frame, and vertically; and devices communicating a movement of the pilot to the steeringmember.

5. In a traction engine, the combination of a frame; a steering member mounted on the frame and movable with relation to the frame to steer the engine; a pilot Wheel offset from said member; devices communicating a movement of the pilot wheel to the steering member; and a mounting for the pilot movable laterally under the influence of lateral pressure on the pilot, said mounting sustaining the traction of the pilot by driving pressure on the pilot in a direction constant to a longitudinal line of the mounting and the engine; and means adjusting the angle of the axis of the pilot wheel relatively to the frame.

6. In a traction engine the combination of a frame; a steering member mounted .on the frame and movable with relation to the 1 frame to steer the engine; a pilot wheel olfset from said member; a swinging support for. the pilot wheel having-its axis lengthwise of the frame; and means for adjusting the angle of the axis of the pilot wheel relatively to the frame.

pllot halvingits axis :port having an intermediate joint, the axes ,of'said 'oint and support being lengthwise of the rame; and devices connecting the steering member with the support adjacent to the pilot for communicating a movement of the pilot to the steering member.

8. In a traction engine, the combination of a frame; a steerin member mounted on the frame and mova 1e relatively thereto to 15 v steer the --engine; a pilot;-a swinging sup port for the pilot mounted on the frame, said support having an intermediate joint,

the axes of said joint and support being lengthwise of the frame; anddevices conmeeting the steering member with the sup .port adjacent to the pilot for "communicating a movement of the pilotto the steering member, said devices comprising a cable.

9. In a traction 'engine,;the-combination of a frame; a steerm member mountedon the frame and movab e with relation to the frame to steer the engine; a pilot offset from said member; a swinging] support---earri-ed by the" frame-for the pilothavingits axis len thwise of the frame; devices communieating a movement of the pilot to the steermg member; and means for hftmg the swinging support to clear the pilot.

10. In a traction engine, the combination of a frame; a steerin member mounted on the frame and movab c with relation to the frame tosteerthe engine; a pilot offset from said member; a swinging support forusaid pilot, said support having an intermediate. oint, the axes of thejoint and the support being lengthwise'of the frame whereby the- I v vary the offset of the pilot.

pilot may move laterally. relatively tothe frame; and vertically; and devices communicating a'movement of the pilot to the steering member; and means for lifting the swinging support to lift the pilot out of operative position.

11. In a traction engine the combination 'of a fram a-steering member pivotally mounted thereon; a gear on the steering meml'ier'having the pivot of the steering member for its center; a pilot; and devices for communicating the movement and energyofthe pilot to the gear for actuating the steering member whereby the steering member is directly operated by the movements of the pilot.

'12. In a traction engine-the combination of a frame; a steering member pivotally mounted thereon; a gear on the steering member having the pivot of the steering member for its eenter;a pilot; and devices for commun1-.

eating tlie:.-'movement/of. the pilot to the gear, comprisinga drum and a cable extendmg from the drum tothe pllot whereby the steering'member is directly operated by the movement of the pilot.

13. In a traction engine the combination of "a frame; a steering member mounted on the frame and movable with relation to the frame to steer the engine; a pilot offset from said member; a swinging support car'- ried by the frame for the pilothaving its axis lengthwise of the frame; devices communicati'ng movement of the pilot to the steering member; and means for adjusting the swinging support laterally to vary the offset of the pilot.

14. In a traction engine, the combination of a frame; a steering member mounted on the frame and-movable with relation to the frame to steer the engine;'a pilot offset from said member; a. swinging support for said pilot, said support having an intermediate joint, the axes of the'support and the in termediate joint being lengthwise of the frame whereby the pilot may move laterally relatively to the frame and vertically; devices communicating a movement of the pilot to the steering member; and means for adjusting said support to vary the offset of the pilot.

15. In a traction engine, the combination of a frame; a steering member mounted on the frame and movable wit-h relation to the frame to steer the engine; a pilot offset from said member; a swingingsupport for said pilot, said support having an'intermediate *joint'; the axes of the support andthe intermediate joint being lengthwise of the frame whereby the .pilot.1nay move laterally relatively to the frame, and vertically; and devices communicating a movement of the pilot to the steering member; an auxiliary member for said support; and means for adlj-u'sting sai dauxiliary frame laterally to '1 6."Inattraction engine the combination o'f a-frame; a steering member mounted thereon and movable relatively thereto to steer the engine; a pilot adapted to engage the wall of a -furro\v;devices communicat ing the movement of the pilot relatively to the engine to the steering mechanism; and means independent of the pilot for exerting a yielding and following continuous pressure on the pilot to maintain it in contact with the wall of thefurrow.

17; In a traction engine the combination of a frame; a steering member mounted on the frame and movable relatively thereto to steer the engine; a pilot adapted to engage the wall ofthe furrow; devices commun'r eating one deflection in the line. of moveto the steering member; mechanism independent of the pilot for exerting a yielding and following continuouspressure on the pilot to maintain it in contact with the wall 'of the "furrow and toactuatc the steering ment of the pilot relatively to the engine ee asee 2 member with an opposite deflection in the line of movement of the furrow relatively to v the engine. 4

18. In a traction engine the combination of a frame; a steering member mounted on. the frame, and movable with relation to theframe to the steering mechanism; a mountj ing for the pilot movable laterally under the influence of lateral pressure on the pilot,

said mounting sustaining the traction of the pilot by driving pressure on the pilot inadirection constant to a longitudinal line of the mounting and the engine; and mechanism for exerting a yielding and following continuous pressure on the pilot to maintain it in contact with the wall of the furrow. v

19. In a traction enginethe combination of a frame; a steering member mounted on the frame, and movable with relation to the frame to steer the engine a pilot mounted on the frame and free to move vertically and laterally relatively to the frame and adapted to engage a wall of a furrow; devices communicating one deflection in the line of movement of the pilot relatively to the frame to the steering mechanism; a mounting for the pilot movable laterally under the influence of lateral pressureon the pilot, said mounting sustaining the traction of the pilot by driving pressure on the pilot in a,

directionconstant to a longitudinal line of the mounting and the engine; and mechanism for exerting a yielding and following continuous pressure on the pilot to maintain it in contact with the wall of the furrow, and to actuate-the steering mechanism with an opposite deflection of, the line of movement of the pilot relatively to the engine.

20. In a traction engine the combination of a frame; a steering member mounted on the frame and movable with relation to the frame to steer the engine; a pilot offset from said member and adapted to engage the wall of a furrow; a swinging support carried by the frame for the pilot and having its axis lengthwise of the frame; devices communicating a deflection in the line of movement of the pilot relatively to the frame to the steering mechanism; and mechanism for exciting pressure on the pilot to maintain it in contact with the wall of the furrow. c

21. In a traction engine the combination of a frame; a steering member mounted on the frame and movable with relation to the frame to steer the engine; a' pilot offset from said member and adapted. to engage the 'wall of a furrow; aswinging support of movement of the carried by the frame for v the. pilot having its axis lengthwise of the frame; and devices communicating a deflectionin the line. pilot relatively to the frame. to thesteering mechanism ;-.-and mechanism independent of 'th'e 'pilot forexerting pressure onzthe pilotto maintain it in contact with the wall of the furrow.

. 22.- "In' a traction engine the combination of a frame; a steering member mounted on the frame and movable with relationjto the frame to steer the engine; a v"pilot offset from said member and adapted to engage the wall ofa furrow; a swinging' support carried bylthe frame for the pilot having its axis'lengthwise of the frame devices communicating one deflection in the .line of movement of the pilot relatively to the frame to; the steering mechanism; and

mechanism'independent of the pilot for exerting a yielding and following pressure --on the pilot to maintain it in contact with the wall of the furrow, and to actuate the steering member with an opposite deflection-in the line of movement of the pilot relatively to the engine.

23. In a traction enginefthe combination of a frame; -a.steer-ing member mounted on the frame and movable with relation to the frame to steer the engine; a'pilot offset from said member and adaptedto engage a wall of a furrow; a swinging support for said pilot, said support having an intermediate joint, the axes of the support and the intermediate joint being lengthwise of the frame whereby the pilot may move laterally relatively to the frame and vertically; devices communicating a deflection in the line of movement of the pilot relatively to the frame to the steering member; and mechanism exerting pressure-on the pilot to maintain it in contact.'with the wall of the furrow. i

24'. In a traction engine the combination of a frame;...asteering'ineinber mounted on the frame and movable relatively thereto for steering the engine; a pilot adapted to engage the wall of the furrow; aswinging support for the pilot; a'means for lifting the swinging support; devices communicating one deflection in the line of movement of the pilot relatively to the engine to the steering member; and a mechanism carried by the engine for exerting pressure on the pilot to maintain it in contact with the wall 'of the furrow, and to actuate the steering engage the wallof the furrow; devices com municating a deflection in the line of movement of the pilot relatively to the engine to the steering member; and a mechanism carried the engine for exerting pressure on the pilot to maintain it in contact with the wall of the furrow; and to actuate the steer-.

ing member with an opposite deflection-in the line of movement of the pilot relatively to theengine; and means for looking out the mechanism and for lifting the pilot.

26. In a traction engine, the combination of a, frame; a steering member mounted on v the frame and movable with relation to the frame to steer. the engine; a pilot offset from said member and adapted to engage the wall of a furrow; a swlnging support for saidpilot, said-support having an'intermediate joint, the axes of the support and the intermediate joint being lengthwise of the framewhereby the pilot may move laterally relativelvto the frame and'vertically; devices communicating a deflection in the line of movement of the pilot relatively to the frame to the steering member and mechanism exerting pressure on the pilot to maintain it in contact with the wall of the furrow, and to actuate the steering member with an opposite deflection in the line of movement of the pilot relatively to the engine; and means for locking out said mcchanism and for lifting the swinging support.

27. In a traction engine the combination of a frame; a steering member mounted thereon and movable wlth relation to the frame to steer the eng1ne;a drum for actuating the steering member; a pilot adaptedto engage the wall of the furrow; devices leading from'the pilot to the drum; and a pressure device operatingupon the drum to exert pressure on the pilot and to actuate the steering mechanism in one direction.

28. In a traction engine, the combination of aframe; .a steeringmember mounted on the frame and movable with relation to the frame to steer the engine; a pilot abreast of the steering member; and .a'co'nnection between .the pilot and the steering member for communicating a movement and energy of the pilot wheel to the steering member comprising an intermediate rotative member,

29. In a traction engine, the combination of a frame; vasteeringomember mounted on the frame and movable with relation to the frame to steer the engine; a pilot abreast jof the steering member; and a connection between the pllot and the steermg member for communicatmg a movement and energy of the pilot wheel to the steering member comprising an intermediate rotative member Copies of this patent may be obtained for controlling theproportion-of movement of the steering member relatively to a given movement of the pilot.

30. Ina traction engine, the combination of a frame; a steering member mounted on the frame and movable with relation to the engine to steer the engine; a pilot offset from said member; devices controlled by the pilot for actuating the steering member;

and a mounting for the pilot movable later ally under the influence of lateral pressure on .the pilot, said mounting sustaining the traction of the pilot by driving pressure'on the pilot in a direction constant to a longitudinal line of the mounting and'the engine. '31. In a traction engine, the combination of a frame; a steering member mountedon the'frame and movable with relation to the frame to steer the engine; a pilot offset front said member; a swing-ing support for the pilot having its axis lengthwise of the frame; and devices controlled by the pilot for actuating the steering member.

32. In av traction engine the combination of a frame; a. steering member mounted on the frame and-movable withrelatlon to the frame to steer the engine; a pilot offset from said member; a swinging support for said pilot, said supporthaving an intermediate joint, the axes of the support and the 'inter-' mediatejoint being lengthwise of the frame whereby the pilot may move laterally rela;

tively to the frame and vertically; and 'devices controlled by the pilot for actuating the steering'm'emberg j 33. In a tractionengine, the combination of a frame; a steering member mounted thereon .and movable relatively thereto to steer the engine; a pilot adapted to engage the wall of the furrow; devices controlledby the pilot for actuating the steering member and means of the furrow.

In testimony whereof we have hereunto acting independently of the pilot in all lateral adjustments of the pilot- ,for exerting continuous pressure upon the pilot to maintain it in contact with the wallset our hands in the presence of two sub five cents each, by addressingjthe Oomniissionerot intents, Washington, D. G.- i 

